Men with and without alcohol dependence: A comparative study of Triguna, Anasakti, Personality and Subjective Well-being
Indian models of personality are seldom explored in relation with alcohol dependence. Triguna is an Indian model of personality originating from Sankhya philosophy, whereby three gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas describe personality features. Anasakti has been discussed extensively in Bhagavad Gita and is an equivalent for the concept of non- attachment.The current study discusses these two Indian concepts and attempts to explore their relationship with personality and subjective well-being, among males with and without alcohol dependence.A cross-sectional survey method was adopted, with a sample of 84 males from community without alcohol dependence, screened through AUDIT and 30 males diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test.The males without alcohol dependence scored significantly higher on variables such as Sattva, extraversion and conscientiousness, positive affect and life satisfaction, than the participants in the clinical group. Participants who were diagnosed with alcohol dependence, scored significantly higher on Tamas, neuroticism and negative affect.Using an Indian model of personality helps to understand the etiology of alcohol use from the Indian context which is also helpful in the development of indigenous interventions.